Hello!
Now that the calendar has turned to fall, I hope everyone has enjoyed the cooler (albeit very wet) weather and that our children have had a good transition back to school. I know both of mine are enjoying elementary school.
Last month, the Board had it's first meeting of the fall and, as you'll read below, took a lot of positive action on things relevant to all of us here in Lee District. This includes work on topics such as equity, environmental protection, and transportation improvements.
My staff and I have also been working to continue our great momentum in the area of revitalization. The month of September saw a number of ribbon cuttings for great small businesses, including Virginia Tire & Auto in Springfield, as well as much work to bring our Embark Richmond Highway plan to life.
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Scroll Inside this issue
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BOS Meeting Recap
Student Bus Passes
John Marshall Library
Voting
Call to Serve
Medicine Cleanout
Community Spotlight
Constituent Services
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Board of Supervisors
Meeting Summary
As I mentioned above, the first Board of Supervisors meeting of the fall was held on September 25. At that meeting, we took action on a number of important items.
First, the Board approved the FY2018 Carryover package, which funded items such as:
- The first-ever countywide Energy Strategy to protect our environment
- The upcoming 2020 Census Complete Count Committee
- Pole-mounted speed display signs, an effective traffic calming mechanism
- Additional "Slow Down, You Live Here, We Live Here" signs
Later in the day, and at my request, the Board unanimously voted to begin working on solar freedom legislation as part of our Legislative Package for the General Assembly. This will help remove barriers and create a stronger market for distributed solar. We also voted to send a letter to the Virginia Department of Transportation requesting additional mowing cycles for our medians, as well as directed County staff to explore local options we may have to help deal with the tall grass we're seeing countywide.
Board members also received a comprehensive status report of all transportation projects happening countywide. That report is available
here
.
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1 Million and Growing: Free Student Bus Pass
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My colleagues and I celebrated the one millionth Free Student Bus Pass rider just after the start of the school year.
We stood up this program, which allows all middle and high school students to ride the Connector and CUE bus for free, to help maximize County bus service while also ensuring all students had alternative transportation means to get to school. It has been a tremendous success, with the most student riders coming from Edison High School (Go Eagles!). No student should ever have to choose between after-school programming and getting home safely.
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John Marshall Library Reopening
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Big news: The John Marshall Library will reopen on October 27.
Delegate Mark Sickles and I got a sneak peek late last month and we’re both really excited for you to see the major upgrades. Between the new community meeting spaces and all the natural light, I know you’re going to be impressed with this great environmentally-friendly, LEED Silver public library.
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Preparing for the November General Election
General Information:
In-Person Absentee Voting
- Underway now at the Fairfax County Government Center
- Satellite voting at the Franconia Governmental Center begins October 13
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Boards, Authorities, and Commissions
Local government is the form of government that's closest to the people. It's where we make important decisions that impact our everyday lives and where resident input is vital to its success. That is why citizen participation is critical.
My office is currently looking to fill one vacancy, described first below, and soliciting resumes on the second item for future appointments. If you're interested in serving, please contact Brittany Choi in my office at
Brittany.Choi@fairfaxcounty.gov
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Athletic Council
Purpose: The Council assists the County on the allocation, use, and management and future planning of County athletic resources.
Police Civilian Review Panel
Purpose: The Panel works to build, maintain, and enhance public trust and transparency between the Police Department, the Board of Supervisors, and the community.
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Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout
Take advantage of a free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Operation Medicine Cabinet Cleanout on Saturday, October 27, 2018.
Drug take back programs are important because they are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies.
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Community Spotlight:
The Rev. John Weatherly
After 21 years as the rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, the Rev. John Weatherly is retiring.
In July 1997, John was elected as rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, overseeing the parish's growth during his leadership and mentoring countless seminarians from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria.
Father John recently retired from the U.S. Army’s Chaplain Corps, where he completed his service as Joint Forces Command Chaplain to the Virginia National Guard. In 2001, he served in Bosnia with the 29th Division, and later deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 with the 2/224th AVN. BN., serving with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Forward and the 3rd Marine Air Wing in the Anbar Province.
After all of that, I think we'll all agree this is a much-deserved retirement. Congratulations, John, and thanks for your years of service to the community.
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Thank you for subscribing to my monthly e-newsletter. I hope these updates will keep you in the loop with some of the major events in our District.
If you'd like to learn more about something in the newsletter or have an idea for a future edition, please don't hesitate to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
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Jeffrey C. McKay
Lee District Supervisor
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
703-971-6262
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